Overall Rating:
Score: 8.3/10
Grade: A-
Family-Friendliness Scale: Level 4 (Great)
Kids ages 6+
What if an exact look-alike of you was a secret agent, and you were called in to take his place? Would you be willing to try and save the world?
This animated movie and conclusion to The Flintstones TV series starts off with secret agent Rock Slag being injured by falling off a high building. Meanwhile, on their way back from taking Dino and Hoppy to the vet, Fred and Barney are looking forward to going on a camping trip with their wives and children. But then, Fred gets a bump on the head and goes to the doctor, only to get into even more trouble. He looks just like Rock Slag!! And the Chief of the Agency is looking for someone to bag the "Green Goose". So he indoctrinates Fred by giving him and his family plane tickets to Paris while keeping his other life, trying to be a spy, a secret.
Positive Notes
While meant more to entertain than educate, this spy spoof does have a strong role model in Fred, as he is willing to protect his family and sacrifice himself to save the world. Rock Slag appears to do the same, but he is more of a passive, supporting character throughout the film. As usual, Wilma and Betty are loving mothers and they both love their husbands.
Being a fan of spy spoofs, I really enjoyed the danger scenes, they reminded me of classic spy movies crossed with prehistoric fanatics. As with the TV series, we see the hilarious modern conveniences offered in the stone age, as well as some other hilarious moments aimed at kids and adults. The voice cast does a great job, including the legendary Alan Reed, Mel Blanc, and Jean Vander Pyl.
Another thing I really enjoyed were the songs. Also a musical, the films' most memorable toe-tapping tunes are "Spy-Like Guy" and the very cute "Wishing Song".
Negative Notes
Like similar cartoons, there is plenty of comedic peril and slapstick violence. And while it is cartoonish, it may still be a bit overwhelming for younger children. The romance is mostly innocent in context, as we see women ogling over Rock and Fred (one intends to marry Rock). One mild suggestive joke involves Barney ogling a shapely veterinarian's assistant, saying that the "[veterinarian's] psychology was working on me too".
Conclusion
The Flintstones ran for six years as a primetime show, so it had to wrap up with a bang. And literally, I mean, bang!
This action-packed spy-spoof tale is an entertaining, enjoy-the-ride kind-of film. It has loads of fun and hilarious moments, great songs, and even has a few positive lessons to spare. And its' the rare spy spoof that is very light on any objectionable content. There's no toilet humor, excessive adult content, or loud-explosion type violence.
So, it may not be a classic, but The Man Called Flintstone still is family fun that packs a whallop.
